The play was to be the "Alexander" of Nat Lee; the rival actresses were to appear--Mrs.
Bellamy as Statira, and the famous Mrs.Woffington as Roxana.

The ladies did not love each other--rival actresses oftentimes do not love each other--and each possessed a temper.

Moreover, each was a beauty: Mrs.Woffington, a grand brunette, dark browed, with flashing eyes and stately mien: Mrs.Bellamy, a blonde, blue-eyed and golden-haired--an accomplished actress, if an affected one.

Now, Mrs.
Bellamy's grand dress of deep yellow satin, with a robe of rich purple velvet, was found to have a most injurious effect upon the delicate straw-coloured skirts of Mrs.Woffington; they seemed to be reduced to a dirty white hue.

The ladies fairly quarrelled over their dresses.